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IcePlex introduces programs to community

FAL
Published 6:43 p.m. MT Nov. 9, 2014

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Avery Bandel, right, president of the Great Falls Figure Skating Club, provides instruction to kids attending the Community Day event Sunday at the Great Falls IcePlex.
(Photo:
Tribune photo/Ginny Crispin
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The Great Falls IcePlex hosted a Community Day on Sunday that allowed people to skate free and learn about available winter recreational programs.

“We want to give people the opportunity to learn about the rink and its programs,” event organizer Jenn Rowell said. “Give them an introduction into ice sports before investing in it.”

Besides providing kids and adults a way to stay active during the cold weather, Rowell said that ice sports teach sportsmanship, discipline, balance, agility and motor skills.

The 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. event included representatives from the rink’s various ice programs, such as hockey, figure skating and sled hockey. Coaches and players were there to give skaters basic skating tips and information on the costs involved in joining one of the programs.

The Great Falls Americans hockey team donated a signed jersey to be raffled off during the event.

Katrina Stark, player for the Great Falls Women’s Hockey League, said she loves the rink and her hockey family. For the event, she said she is hopes to promote the sport and recruit members for the team.

“We have 25 players right now and I think that in a community the size of Great Falls there has got to be more women who would want to learn how to play hockey,” Stark said. “We have players at all levels and just have so much fun.”

Those who were interested in trying sled hockey were able to use sleds provided by Eagle Mount Therapeutic Recreation, an organization that provides physical activity programs for youth with disabilities.

Sled hockey is a popular program with Eagle Mount and children’s program coordinator Jill Van Son said they would love to generate more interest in the sport.

“People see these kids playing sled hockey and have no idea that they have disabilities,” Van Son said. “We don’t focus on their disability, we adapt to it and teach them that they can do anything.”

Team Red, White and Blue was also at the event to raise awareness for veterans, their families and citizens in the community. Chapter captain Aaron Appelwick said that the organization has a big role to play in the community by enriching the lives of its members through physical and social activities.

“Our core activity has been running so far but we are looking to branch out more into hockey and winter recreation,” Appelwick said. “The great thing is we cater to our members’ interests and the activities that they are into.”

Becky Darko brought her 11-year-old son, Preston, to play hockey and said that while it is not his first time on the ice, he enjoys it and takes advantage of every opportunity to play.

“It teaches him discipline and teamwork,” Darko said. “I’m glad that people are here and taking advantage of what this rink has to offer because it means a lot to our family and this area.”

Sierra Barker brought her daughter and son, who had recently just tried hockey for the first time.

“He loved it, and will probably continue doing it,” Barker said.

Barker’s 10-year-old daughter, Kira, is a member of the Great Falls Figure Skating Club and attended the event to support the rink and club.

“Skating means the world to me,” Kira said. “Everyone needs to just try it out — it’s a lot of fun!”

The ice rink is run almost completely through donations and sponsorship. Tony Krattiger, treasurer for the Great Falls Community Ice Foundation, which operates the rink, said that it takes about $15,000 per month to pay expenses such as insurance, maintenance and utilities during the six months the rink is open.

“We want to keep this place affordable for families to enjoy,” Krattiger said. “The rink means a lot to our community.”

Krattiger estimated the rink is used by more than 300 people involved in the many ice programs. The community support and sponsors who donate not just money but time and labor helps to make a difference.